JUNE 2015 | V O LU M E 17 | N U M B E R 06

BAND MEMBERS PRODUCING JINGLE DRESS DOCUMENTARY

Band member Larry “Amik” Smallwood PAGE 5

TRIBAL SUMMIT CONFRONTING EDDY’S RESORT: STUDENT ON CRISIS OF THE PROBLEM SAME NAME, ACHIEVEMENT INDIAN CHILDREN OF ELDER ABUSE NEW LOOK CELEBRATED MESSAGE FROM THE MELANIE BENJAMIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Aaniin! This month, there is more news to report than I have jobs for Band Members. The facility is beautiful, and the food no matter where they are, no matter which reservation they space to write about, so I’m just going to touch on a few high- in the restaurant is outstanding. Stop by if you have a chance! run to. Through sharing of resources, we will provide on-the- lights. Some big news for the Aazhoomog community is that On May 28, the Band hosted a meeting of the Minnesota ground support to one another. In the true spirit of self-deter- the Pine Grove Leadership Academy is about to become part Indian Affairs Council members to engage in a second summit mination and self-governance, this Task Force is about Indian of the Bureau of Indian Education System, as a satellite school on the issue of the impact of opiates on our babies, known as tribes working together to improve our communities for the of Nay Ah Shing! This is wonderful news, which you can read Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS). This was a powerful betterment of everyone. more about in this newsletter. It means that our Pine Grove meeting that included next steps. Some ideas include develop- May also brought the swearing in of a new face and an old Leadership Academy will be able to expand programming and ing a legislative proposal to better regulate methadone clinics one; Adam Valdez is our new Commissioner of Finance, and opportunities, via satellite classroom link through live video and prescription drugs, improving access to pre-natal care for Todd Matha was reappointed to a four-year term as Solicitor to Nay Ah Shing school classrooms. These virtual classrooms high-risk women, and developing better supportive program- General. We are fortunate to have both of these professionals will be in addition to our on-the-ground teachers at both Nay ming for young women to strengthen the bond between moth- on our team. Ah Shing and Pine Grove, improving opportunities at both sites, ers and children. Of course, we also need to do more to hold By the time this edition reaches you, our Public Hearing while allowing us to serve more children at Pine Grove. our family members accountable for getting the help they need. on Enbridge Energy’s proposal to build the Sandpiper Pipeline We are the first tribe in the United States to achieve this This includes our young men, who need to be held accountable will have been concluded. The Band will compile a report that “satellite school” status, which required lobbying new legisla- for ensuring that their children are brought into this world in a will be shared with the State and federal agencies. Even if the tion through the Congress. There are many issues I work on safe and healthy environment. Miigwech to Speaker Beaulieu State approves granting Enbridge a permit to construct a pipe- when I travel to Washington D.C., but nearly every one of my and District I Representative Blake for their leadership in bring- line, we will continue working to convince state and federal visits to D.C. over the past two years has involved advocat- ing this summit to Mille Lacs. agencies that a different route must be considered, and insist ing for legislation allowing Mille Lacs to achieve this satellite Elders enjoyed a wonderful trip to Las Vegas in May and that our land, waters and resources be protected. school status for Pine Grove. Congresswoman Betty McCollum, had great fun just being together. Miigwech to the Band As- Finally, attending graduation ceremonies from Head Start Congressman Rick Nolan, and Senators Al Franken and Amy sembly for helping to support that trip with my office. The next to high school has been very rewarding. Hearing our Nay Ah Klobuchar were behind our success, and I’m very grateful for Elder trip will be to Oklahoma City and is coming up this month, Shing graduates speak so well in Ojibwe was pure joy, and their persistent efforts. This is one example of why it is so im- provided the weather holds out. powerful evidence of the success of our program! portant for the Band to keep strong relationships with federal On May 26, I signed an agreement between the Band As we head into powwow season and celebrate our culture, policy-makers. Also, congratulations and chi miigwech to the and Leech Lake, Upper Sioux and Lower Sioux creating an history and identity, let’s all make sure we take time to appreci- hard work of Joyce Shingobe, Jane Harstad and Shelly Diaz Intertribal Law Enforcement Task Force. This Task Force will ate the hard work of our powwow committees who make these who worked hard to get our schools ready for the site visit allow for sharing of information and resources between the celebrations special. In particular, I’m very excited for the East from the BIE Director, who approved the waiver. I encourage four Bands to combat drugs and gang-related violence, which Lake Community which will be holding its first Inaugural pow- Aazhoomog parents to begin thinking about Pine Grove as an relates to the opiate issue. We know that drug-dealers have wow in July. Have a safe, enjoyable summer! educational choice for your K-5 students in Fall, 2015! been “Rez-Hopping.” Almost as soon as they are chased off On May 5, we held our ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new one reservation, they migrate to another. Through information Eddy’s Resort, creating a new revenue stream for the Band and sharing, our police officers will know who these criminals are

Pine Grove Satellite Project Approved

Brett Larson Staff Writer/Photographer

Next fall, Pine Grove Leadership Academy invest money because there was already a school building at in the proposal for Pine Grove School to become an extension in District III will open as an extension of Pine Grove. In fact, the Bureau could save money as a result of of Nay Ah Shing School. She received help from education con- Nay Ah Shing Schools, thanks to the hard reduced transportation costs. sultant, Dr. Jane Harstad, who helped the Band make the case work of several Mille Lacs Band members, Many District III students over the years have commuted with the BIE. including Education Executive Director Joy- more than two hours to Nay Ah Shing from as far as Lake Lena Joycelyn also credits Dr. Rick St. Germaine, who has helped Joycelyn celyn Shingobe. and even Danbury, Wisconsin, Joycelyn said. It was not un- the Band operate Pine Grove as a charter school, an online Shingobe “This gives kids who might not fit in common for kids to bring pillows and blankets onto the bus. school, and a private school since it first opened in 2007. well at public school the opportunity to at- “That long ride is hard on kids,” Joycelyn said, “and participat- The school building can accommodate up to 45 students, tend a school that’s close to home, rich in culture and language, ing in sports or after school programming was not an option Joycelyn said. For now, it will be open to K-5 students, with and offers a comfortable learning environment,” Joycelyn said. for them.” two licensed teachers and a learning coach on site. The announcement came May 21 during a visit to Nay Ah Joycelyn said other Band members have been working hard Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin gave credit to Joycelyn Shing Abinoojiyag by Dr. Monty Roessel, Director of the Bureau to provide educational opportunities in District III for more than for her hard work. “I am excited for the Aazhoomog community of Indian Education (BIE). 10 years. Dave Matrious and the late Beatrice Taylor kept the to have this wonderful school as part of the Nay Ah Shing sys- Joycelyn was thrilled to hear the news that the Band’s issue at the forefront, and Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin tem,” Melanie said. proposal had been approved. “I was so happy, my mouth fell has also been a proponent since she was first elected in 2000. Joycelyn said, “We were only able to do this because of open,” Joycelyn said. “I wanted to ask him to repeat it — Benjamin lobbied for the project on a trip to Washington D.C. the Chief Executive’s work lobbying this legislation through ‘What did you just say?’” in March. the Congress specifically for Mille Lacs. She made many, many The BIE’s approval was needed because of a 1995 mora- “It’s those people who really kept the whole initiative alive trips to D.C. to get this legislation through for Mille Lacs, which torium on new educational programs funded by the Bureau of in people’s minds,” Joycelyn said. is why we are the first and only tribe in the country to achieve Indian Affairs. The Band argued that the BIE would not need to Shelly Diaz, the Band’s education planner, was instrumental this status.”

2 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 Band Hosts Tribal Summit On Crisis of Indian Children

Brett Larson Staff Writer/Photographer

District I Representative MLB Commissioner of Boise Forte Chief White Earth Secretary Red Lake Chief MN Senator Chris Eaton Sandra Blake Health Sam Moose Kevin Leecy Tara Mason Darrell Seki

Over 50 tribal and state government officials and employees place. “The problem of drugs and alcohol, and children in crisis and Human Services, suggested creating a process to share met on the Mille Lacs Reservation May 28 to address is a hard topic to speak on without getting emotional and teary. information and begin creating a list of best practices in problems related to opiate abuse and addiction on Minnesota I see it all around me and it affects everyone. Grandmothers, dealing with the problems that had been discussed throughout Indian reservations. adults, and children. There are also positive groups in the the day. He also acknowledged the many tribal family/social Tribal leaders from Bois Forte, Red Lake, White Earth, community like women in wellbriety.” she told the audience.“ service workers and the “tremendous” work they do on behalf Leech Lake, and Mille Lacs reservations were in attendance. I hope that as you listen today, you learn some things that you of Indian Country — “even though they take pressure from all The event was hosted by the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Mille can use and bring back to your communities and families. It’s sides with little recognition.” Lacs Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, Rep. Sandra Blake, very important that we keep working on this issue.” “Their job of stabilizing and often rebuilding families is very and Elder Joe Nayquonabe welcomed participants and shared The agenda included opening comments by Bois Forte Chief intense and can take a toll on emotional, mental and physical their thoughts on the problem of opiate addiction and neonatal Kevin Leecy, White Earth Secretary Tara Mason, Red Lake health,” Sam said. “Therefore it is extremely important to abstinence syndrome. Chief Darrell Seki, Minnesota Department of Human Services care for the care providers so they don’t develop ‘compassion Melanie Benjamin thanked her colleagues in government, Assistant Commissioner Jim Koppel, Minnesota State Senator fatigue’ or burnout.” Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Beaulieu and District I Rep. Chris Eaton, and Jake Schwitzer, legislative assistant for U.S. Sandi Blake, summarized some of the key points of the day Sandra Blake, for taking the initiative to host the forum. “I’m Sen. Al Franken. and highlighted the importance of women’s groups, cultural proud to work with these two strong women,” Melanie said. Sen. Eaton shared the story of her daughter’s death by activities and parenting classes. “Those who are stuck in Melanie called the problem of opiate-addicted babies “the overdose. She said the “war on drugs” has been lost and addiction do tend to isolate themselves,” Sandi said. “We single greatest threat to the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.” She that the focus needs to shift from imprisonment to treatment. really have to struggle to reach out to them and bring them said recent data on the prevalence of neonatal abstinence “We can’t arrest our way out of this.... Until we start treating into our circles.” She said she enjoyed the presentations and syndrome (NAS) on reservations was a wake-up call for tribal (addiction) like a disease and an illness we’re not going to be encouraged the participants to keep working on the problem. leaders. Studies released in the fall of 2014 showed that 28 successful... It should be part of your general medical checkup. “We need to create these types of forums in our communities percent of babies with NAS in Minnesota are born to Native People should be screened for addiction. They should be where we can present this information to community members Americans, even though Native Americans make up only about treated for addiction. They should not be arrested.” and get them involved.” two percent of the state’s population. In other words, American The majority of the event was devoted to presentations on Kimberly Sam introduced herself in Ojibwe and then got Indian newborns are 8.7 times more likely than white babies to the following topics: a big laugh by adding, “My Social Security name is Kimberly be born with NAS. –– Anishinaabe value of family and women’s roles by Ted Sam.” She spoke about the Sons of Tradition, Daughters of Melanie talked about addiction as a way to “fill an emptiness Waukey, Mille Lacs Band Social Services Director Tradition and Mothers of Tradition programs she operates. The and numb the pain caused by historical trauma,” which she –– Neonatal abstinence syndrome and the problem of latter has been implemented in Mille Lacs County Jail. “The said is “something that happened to us, not something we methadone therapy by Phil Norrgard, Health and Human number one thing is getting involved with people, getting into are.” She talked about the strength and resilience of Indian Services Director for the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe action, getting out there, because it’s about establishing trust people who have overcome disease, genocide, and relocation. –– NAS prevention projects at Red Lake, White Earth and and listening and understanding. For me it’s not even like a job, “If there is one thing I’m convinced about,” she said, “it’s Leech Lake it’s doing what I want to do. This is home, and these are my that we have the ability to fight this epidemic right here in –– Disparities and recommendations by Shirley Cain, Dis- people, and I want them to have what I have.” this room.” parities Consultant for the Minnesota Department of Joe Nayquonabe asked participants to look back to discover Joe Nayquonabe Sr., a retired chemical dependency Human Services how tribes dealt with problems in the past. He stressed that counselor, opened the event with a prayer in Ojibwe, and he –– Tribal State Agreement Legislation presented by tribal parents need to “start being parents again. We need to be also shared his perspective on the opiate epidemic, saying, attorneys Indians again,” he said. “We need to be Anishinaabe again.” “It strikes everybody. It doesn’t discriminate. … It’s not only –– Urban Conditions by the Urban Indian Child Welfare Act Vern LaPlante, Tribal Relations Coordinator for the affecting us but it’s affecting our children. The creator gave us (ICWA) Advisory and Metropolitan Urban Indian Direc- Minnesota Department of Human Services, served as a wonderful body, and it’s up to us to take care of it.” tors (MUID) Members moderator of the summit. Sandra Blake, who represents District I on the west side The event concluded with a roundtable discussion of next It was the second summit on the crisis of American Indian of Mille Lacs Lake, welcomed participants to the summit and steps to be taken to combat opiates and NAS in Indian Country. children in Minnesota. The first took place in September 2014 spoke about the importance for these discussions to take Sam Moose, Mille Lacs Band Commissioner of Health at Bois Forte Reservation in northern Minnesota. Dayton Signs Autopsy Bill

Brett Larson Staff Writer

Governor Dayton signed a bill into law May 19 that will provide for force the medical examiner to release the bodies. religious objections to autopsies in certain cases. After Mushkooub’s death, his family and friends held a vigil outside the morgue in Duluth, The bill passed the Minnesota Senate unanimously. The House of where his body was held. In March, Aubid’s widow, Winnie LaPrairie, testified in support of Representatives approved it by a vote of 128-3. It was sponsored by the bill. Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick) and Rep. Steve Green (R-Fosston). The new law requires medical examiners to notify the family of a planned autopsy and pro- The bill came about after the February deaths of two Native Amer- vide written materials including information about the law regarding religious objections to icans: Mille Lacs Band member Mushkooub Aubid and Fond du Lac autopsies. Autopsies may still be conducted in certain cases if there is a “compelling state in- Governor Dayton member Autumn Martineau. In both cases, the Carlton County medical terest” as defined by the law. In those cases, medical examiners will need to use the least examiner scheduled autopsies against the wishes of the families, who said the autopsies would invasive procedures. violate their spiritual beliefs. Both families had to seek court orders to stop the autopsies and

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 3 Historic Agreement Reached to Combat Crime

Brett Larson Staff Writer/Photograher

Representatives of four Minnesota Indian bands came together at Mille Lacs on May 27 to sign an agreement that Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin described as “historic.” The agreement will create a Consolidated Tribal Task Force allowing the four bands — two Ojibwe and two Sioux — to share information and cooperate in new ways to fight crime. Participating in the event were Mille Lacs Chief Benjamin; Marisa Pigeon, Tribal Vice Chair of the Upper Sioux Community; Mille Lacs Band Solicitor General Todd Matha; Mille Lacs Tribal Police Chief Jared Rosati; Brian Marquardt, Minnesota Office of Justice Programs; Upper Sioux Police Chief Chris Lee; Lower Sioux Police Chief Darwin Melin; and Leech Lake Tribal Police Chief Ken Washington. After an invocation in Ojibwe from John Benjamin and a song by Benjamin, Chris Gahbow and Quintin Sam, Melanie Benjamin welcomed the guests and thanked the police officers Mille Lacs Tribal Police Chief Jared Rosati presented the agreement to representatives from the four present: “We know you care about our communities, and that cooperating bands. It was signed by Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, Upper Sioux Vice you risk your lives each day to keep us safe,” Melanie said. Chair Marisa Pigeon, Leech Lake Tribal Police Chief Ken Washington and Lower Sioux Tribal Police Chief Darwin Melin. “And we know that you don’t often get thanked for your work, so I want to be clear today how much we appreciate each are, across each of our reservations.“ jurisdiction unless we specifically called and asked about of you.” Mille Lacs Tribal Police Chief Jared Rosati spoke briefly them. Now we will be able to have a seamless information She also spoke about the problem of opiate abuse and about the agreement and introduced his fellow officers before database, which we can view when we have contact with the opiate-addicted newborns in the community, and she explained inviting to the podium Tribal Police Officer Derrick Naumann, same subjects. This will allow us to work more efficiently in that the agreement would help to combat the problem: “This who has been appointed Commander of the task force. Derrick our cases. agreement we are about to sign today is a first step in putting spoke about his background and explained how the task force “Another very significant part is the resource sharing. If a stop to these criminals taking advantage of our children, our will help the four bands fight crime. there are major events or cases to be worked, we can assist youth, our communities and our babies. Through creation of After the event, he summed up those benefits as follows: by sending officers to each other’s jurisdictions to help out in this Task Force, from now on, there will be no place for the drug “One of the most important parts of this agreement will be the any way needed.” dealers to hide, because our police will ALL know who they information sharing. Until now we would have no idea if there Naumann will be supervised by a board composed of the is contact made with a suspected drug trafficker in each other’s police chiefs of the four bands. Band Hosts Tribal Relations Conference Brett Larson Staff Writer U.S. Attorney Charges

The Mille Lacs Band hosted a conference May 18 and 19 to The first day was devoted to a presentation by Tadd titled 41 with Selling Drugs help state employees better understand and serve Minnesota’s “Federal Indian Policy and the Legal Background between the American Indian population. Tribes and States.” “What I provide is a legal history of federal on Reservations The Government-to-Government Tribal-State Relations Indian policy — how tribal, state and federal government United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger Training at Grand Casino gave attendees abroad and deep policy came to be,” Tadd said. announced last week the indictment of forty- introduction to American Indian history, culture, law and Also participating were Joe Nayquonabe Sr.; Melanie Franks one members of a multi-state heroin trafficking politics, according to Mille Lacs Band consultant and UMD and Jim Jones of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council; and conspiracy. The 41 defendants named in the professor Tadd Johnson. three employees of the Minnesota Department indictment were charged with Conspiracy to Tadd said the conference — one of several of Transportation: David Tomporowski, Edward Distribute Heroin, Methamphetamine, Oxycodone, held around the state in recent years — is Fairbanks and Linda Aitken. Hydromorphone, Hydrocodone, and Methadone. the result of a 2013 Executive Order from The second day opened with Dakota ”The indictment of the Beasley drug trafficking Gov. Mark Dayton requiring state agencies Reflections from Janice Bad Moccasin, organization is emblematic of our commitment to to implement tribal consultation policies Assistant Tribal Administrator for the Shakopee combatting heroin trafficking in Minnesota,” said and provide training for staff who work with Mdewakanton Sioux Community, followed U.S. Attorney Luger. “These defendants, led by American Indians. by four breakout sessions: Q&A: Answers to Omar Beasley, represented the most significant The training was developed by Tadd and Your Historic and Cultural Questions; Tribal source of heroin in Indian Country. Through close former Mille Lacs Band employees Linda Liaison Panel Discussion: Interacting with the collaboration with our federal, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners, we have shut down this Aitken and Ed Minnema. To date they have Tribes — Meaningful and Timely Consultation; major pipeline that was spreading heroin across trained over 800 state employees and many Secretary/Treasurer Cooperation and Coordination: State Agencies Carolyn Beaulieu the Red Lake and White Earth Indian Reservations tribal employees and officials. Tadd said, Working with Tribal Counterparts; and Q&A: welcomed attendees and the surrounding communities.” “We’ve received really good feedback. There’s to the conference and Tribal Attorney Panel. kind of a dearth of knowledge of federal, state also participated in a The afternoon session was a Tribal Leader According to the indictment and documents filed panel of tribal leaders. and tribal laws.” Panel Presentation: Consulting and Building in court, from at least April 2014 until April 2015, Beasley, 37, led a drug trafficking conspiracy Ed, a former Nay Ah Shing teacher who Partnerships with American Indians. The in which he recruited drug sources, managers, now teaches in the Department of American Indian Studies at panel was composed of Mille Lacs Band Secretary/Treasurer distributors, facilitators, couriers and drivers to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, facilitated the event, and Carolyn Beaulieu, District I Rep. Sandra Blake, District II Rep. bring heroin and other drugs to the Red Lake and Tadd and Linda were among the presenters. David ‘Niib’ Aubid and Leech Lake Band District III Rep. LeRoy White Earth Indian Reservations in Minnesota and After presentation of the colors and a flag song by Swamp Fairbanks. Native American communities in North Dakota. Nation Drum Group, Secretary/Treasurer Carolyn Beaulieu Tadd said state employees had many good questions welcomed those in attendance and Ed gave an introduction and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with tribal members, and overview of the conference. employees and officials.

4 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 Band Members Producing Jingle Dress Documentary

Toya Stewart Downey Staff Writer

t’s long been a desire of Larry “Amik” Smallwood to tell the dreams. The man also showed his wife how Istory he heard growing up of how the jingle dress came they danced in his dreams and the wife then to be. showed the ladies how they danced. “I used to hear my grandma, Lucy Clark, tell the story of During one of the drum ceremonies, when where the jingle dress came from,” said Amik. “Back in ’79 they had a break, he got up and announced when I worked at Nay Ah Shing, Ben Sam and Fred Benja- his dream and introduced the dresses and he min, both now passed on, also told me the story about the brought them out. jingle dress.” There was a little girl at the drum cere- “I’ve traveled around and heard stories about the jingle monies who was so sick she was laying on a dress and they’re all basically the same, but there are some blanket. She was next to the man and his wife, variations,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to do a documenta- she could have been their daughter or grand- ry for the past seven years so we could get the story straight daughter. When those ladies started dancing about where the dress originated.” with those dresses she immediately began to Rick Anderson filming a scene Ariana Sam will play the role His goal is about to be realized thanks to the hard work and look around and stir a bit. for a Federal disaster video with of the little girl in the jingle shared vision of others, including Band members Rick Ander- As they danced through the evening eventu- police, the military and Feds. dress documentary. son and Natalie Weyaus. ally she sat up and she kept looking. High into Later this month the trio, along with other Band members, the night, she was up dancing with the ladies “There are stories all over the U.S. will begin working on a documentary about the jingle dress. in the jingle dresses. That’s why they say it’s a healing dress. and Canada that say the jingle dress originated in their territory Rick, an experienced producer, director and videographer, The Mille Lacs people later on gifted the jingle dress to our or reservation,” said Natalie, who is the grant manager for the will oversee the taping of scenes for the documentary at the Canadian relatives and also to White Earth Nation. And then to arts board funding. Hinckley Powwow, which will be held June 19–21. They will Leech Lake. The White Earth people gifted the Lakota people The documentary team meets weekly and will use the sum- begin filming during the Grand Entry on June 19. the jingle dress and then the story of the jingle dress took off. mer to complete filming on the project. The group expects the Filming will continue July 1–2 during an exhibition pow- Now, the colors of the jingle dress have a connection to the final powwow footage to be shot during the Mille Lacs Band of wow at the powwow grounds in District I. Rick is seeking Band big drum ceremonies, but it was not explained to me. Ojibwe Traditional Powwow in August. Then Rick will edit the members, employees and others to participate in the documen- The traditional jingle dress dancers never carried fans and piece and it should be final by the end of the year. tary by filling the stands or participating in short interviews. He never wore eagle feather and never wore leggings. They only “The pictures or videos will be historic footage for future is also seeking jingle dress dancers for both dates. had a belt and carried a small bag with them. The dancers generations to see,” Natalie said. Rick and Natalie have worked together previously on anoth- moved forward and in a rapid side-to-side movement. They Amik said that while it took time to secure the funding and er successful documentary, “The People of the Big Lake,” that didn’t have fancy footwork, didn’t turn around and didn’t back for all of the pieces to come together, he is pleased it’s finally was a collaboration with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT). For up when they were dancing. They were red, yellow, blue and coming to fruition. this project, Rick is working as the producer for TPT and will green dresses and there were shiny little cones on them. “The documentary will show our history and the protocol of supervise the TV station’s team, including the camera opera- That’s the story that was told to me.” the jingle dress,” he said. “It’s important that our people and tors. His own company, Eagle Clan Productions, isn’t involved Band member Pete Gahbow and his drum group will provide our children know the Mille Lacs story of the jingle dress.” making the documentary. music in the documentary. Four women, Darcy BigBear, Chasity Rick added that the documentary “will be as real as it can The title of the 30-minute documentary hasn’t been de- Gahbow, Ah-Nung Matrious and Karla Smallwood, will repre- be based on the story and when it was first told.” termined yet and it is not scripted, Rick said, but instead will sent the four jingle dress dancers from the old man’s dream. He said there will be “some updates and scenes filmed in feature Amik speaking in Ojibwe and telling the story of how Six-year-old Arianna Sam, daughter of Herb and Patty Sam, contemporary fashion with music as it is now, but it will also the jingle dress came to be. Another narrator will translate the will play the role of the little girl. show how far we’ve come today.” story into English. Herb and Patty said, “We are happy she is going to be part “We are really excited about it and we’re excited that it’s of this documentary and believe that this story should be told coming together so we can tell the Mille Lacs story,” Rick said. as it really happened. Seeking Volunteers Here’s the story as it was told to Amik: “Arianna’s part is important because it will show how the “About 100 years ago, give or take, a man had this recurring dress originated, talk about why it is used, and show how the Those who have a personal story to tell about how dream and in that dream he dreamt of these four women who dress is used through generations of dancers as a healing the jingle dress has influenced their lives, or about were dancing in a certain way. He noticed in the dream there dress and one that is highly respected.” their experience as a jingle dancer are encouraged to contact Rick Anderson at eagleclan24@yahoo. were four colors — red, blue, green and yellow. Patty and Adrienne Benjamin will be the dressmakers for com. He is seeking people to provide a 15-second After so many times of dreaming, he told his wife about the film project. sound bite that can be considered for the it and she told him maybe we better do something about the Natalie said the Band, along with a grant from the Minne- documentary. Please provide a photo and a brief dream and she asked him to describe the dresses to her. sota State Arts Board, is financing the documentary that will be description of what you would like to say. She got together with some ladies in the village and they shown on Twin Cities Public Television, which is also a collab- made those dresses according to how they looked in the orator on the project. Highway 169 Bridge Replacement Project Near Lake Mille Lacs Begins June 1 Five-month project uses bypass lanes to minimize traffic impacts

Motorists on Highway 169 in Vineland, along the southwest carry traffic during the new bridge construction. When complete, the project will result in a longer bridge shore of Lake Mille Lacs, may encounter slow traffic, flaggers Motorists approaching the Highway 169 work zone in Vine- with wider shoulders, improved safety and smoother ride. and delays as a project to replace the Highway 169 bridge land should slow down, be prepared to stop if necessary and spanning the Rum River begins Monday, June 1. watch for crews and heavy equipment. To learn more about how bridge and road projects are chosen Initially, Highway 169 between Twilight Road and Vineland In late-June, Highway 169 between Twilight Road and and funded, visit Get Connected at mndot.gov/getconnected. Road will be reduced intermittently to a single lane during non- Vineland Road will be switched to temporary bypass lanes For real-time travel information anywhere in Minnesota, visit rush hours. When lanes are closed, flaggers will control traffic with narrow shoulders and a reduced speed limit. 511mn.org. through the work zone. These initial closures will occur June The new bridge and all permanent lanes of Highway 169 1 through late-June while crews construct temporary lanes to will open by Oct. 29.

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 5 Breaking the Silence: Confronting the Problem of Elder Abuse

Toya Stewart Downey Staff Writer

Though it’s been an issue that has been around for longer than “Elder abuse is different than sexual or domestic abuse,” “Children need to hear this and the professionals who work anyone knows, only in recent years has the topic of Elder abuse said Cindi. “It can be financial abuse, neglect, abandonment, or with Elders need to hear this,” she said, adding that the Mille been openly discussed and addressed across Indian Country. it can be self-neglect. Lacs Band sponsored the MCT conference’s keynote speaker, In March the Mille Lacs Band held a conference on Elder “Elder abuse is where domestic violence was 30 years ago. who focused on the importance of language and culture. abuse, “Cultural Awareness is Prevention,” that was followed People barely recognize or talk about it, let alone ask for or find The loss of culture is a critical piece of the problem, said in April by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s (MCT) “Indigenous help,” said Cindi, adding that the Mille Lacs Band is only one Sam Moose, Mille Lacs Band Commissioner of Health and Elder Abuse Awareness Conference.” of two tribes that have an Elder abuse program. Human Services. “We believe the more it’s talked about and openly ad- To help create awareness and to encourage conversations “The negative impact of historical trauma and loss of cul- dressed, the easier it is for Elders to speak up and talk about about it, Cindi frequently makes presentations, attends Elder ture are contributing factors to abuse in Indian Country, which things they are going through,” said Joanne Mulbah, the MCT’s meetings, and offers training to the police. unfortunately does not exclude Elders,” Sam said. manager for the supplemental nutrition assistance program. In July, August and September, the Band’s program will “Additionally, the strong tribal values of the community “Elders write to us and tell us that now, because of these host Elder fishing trips at Eddy’s Resort in an effort to get to and family, along with the mistrust of mainstream systems, kinds of conferences and conversations, they know how to get know Elders better and begin conversations about abuse. become very real factors for Elders when they report abuse or help and how to talk about it,” Joanne added. Elder abuse is not exclusive to Native Americans, but seek protection,” he added. This year, the fourth year the MCT has offered a conference it seems to strike a different chord because of the cultural “These factors make addressing the issue in Indian Country on Elder abuse, had the biggest turnout so far. More than 340 teachings of the Ojibwe that say Elders are to be respected very difficult with current law and will require a tribal solution attended from across the state and from Arizona, Oklahoma and honored. that includes codes and tribal statutes.” and South Dakota. The Mille Lacs Band was a major sponsor “The Ojibwe culture teaches people that they are sup- of the conference. posed to take care of their family,” said Cindi. “For many in If anyone has witnessed or suspects abuse of an Elder, many “Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin and other Mille Lacs the younger generation, there’s a lack of respect for Elders and resources are available. The Band has a Family Violence Pre- leaders have been very supportive of the event, “ Joanne said. the culture.” vention Program, including a crisis line and shelter, along with When the Band offered its Elder abuse conference, the goal Joanne shares a similar perspective. community advocates and family services. For help 24/7 call was to bring awareness to people and create a safe forum The common theme that comes out during her conversa- the crisis line at 866-867-4006. For more information about the for discussing some of the solutions, said Cindi Douglas, the tions and during the conferences is that strengthening the cul- Band’s program call Cindi Douglas at 218-768-3311. Band’s Elder Abuse Program Coordinator. ture is critical. County Hears Arguments for Social Host Ordinance

Brett Larson Staff Writer

The Mille Lacs County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, an underage drinking party. harm from underage drinking. May 19, held a public hearing to receive input on adoption of –– Parents cannot be charged for allowing or permitting –– 46 percent of Mille Lacs county 11th grade students who a social host ordinance, which would make it illegal to host a alcohol use by their own child while present in their reported consuming alcohol in the past 30 days said they party where underage drinking occurs. The board will vote on own household. obtained the alcohol from parties. the proposed ordinance June 2. See millelacsband.com for the –– This does not apply to legally protected religious –– 100 percent of local law enforcement officers agree their result of the vote. observances. communities should adopt a social host ordinance. The ordinance would make it a misdemeanor to host or al- –– Individuals cannot be charged if they take steps to –– A Social Host Ordinance will help the many youth who low a party on public or private property where underage drink- prevent the underage drinking once they realize it don’t drink feel supported in their choice NOT to. ing takes place, regardless of who provides the alcohol. is occurring. Sheriff Brent Lindgren and County Attorney Joe Walsh both The Mille Lacs Area Partners for Prevention are encourag- The MAPP group, which is chaired and co-chaired by Band support the adoption of the ordinance. ing the board to adopt the ordinance. Amber Kent said 10 youth employees Amanda Nickaboine and Byron Ninham, also makes According to a MAPP brochure on the social host ordinance, and several adult coalition members attended the hearing, and the following points in advocating for the ordinance: “Underage use of alcohol has many adverse individual, social, some of the youth testified in favor of the ordinance. Kent said, –– 90 percent of community adults disapprove of high and economic impacts on a community. Law enforcement re- “Of course there were some there that were opposed to the school youth drinking alcohol. ports it is often difficult to determine the actual provider, but ordinance that got up and spoke as well, but that was good –– OVER 100 towns and cities in MN have already adopted often times there is someone who knowingly hosts, allows, as we were then able to provide supportive arguments for social hosts ordinances. or provides a venue for this illegal activity. Communities have their concerns.” Letters of support and opposition were also –– 26 counties in MN have adopted a social host ordinance. found that imposing criminal responsibility on social hosts read aloud. –– MN youth who drink alcohol monthly or more often are has a deterrent effect and reduces the number of underage The group has been trying to dispel myths about the ordi- at least 6 times more likely to have used marijuana or drinking parties.” nance by emphasizing several points: abused prescription drugs not prescribed to them. –– Individuals cannot be charged if they did not know about –– 85 percent of community adults are concerned about the

NCAI Midyear Conference to be held in St. Paul

The National Congress of American Indians will meet at RiverCentre in St. Paul June 28 drum group from East Lake, has been invited to participate in cultural night. Band Elder Larry to July 1 for their midyear conference. Mille Lacs Band Member Shena Matrious has been ‘Amik’ Smallwood will present the story of the jingle dress. serving as co-chair of the local planning committee. The theme of the conference is “Nurturing Tribal Resources: Culture, Land and People.” The welcoming reception on Sunday, June 28, will be held at the Mille Lacs Band’s Each day’s agenda includes dozens of sessions on a variety of topics, in addition to meetings Crowne Plaza Hotel. of the executive committee and subcommittees. General Assemblies will be held Monday, Lee Staples will give the opening invocation on Monday morning, June 29, and the June 29, Tuesday, June 30, and Wednesday, July 1. AmVets Post 53 honor guard will present the colors. Timber Trails drum group — made up of Band members Chris Gahbow, Quintin Sam, Percy Benjamin and John Benjamin — will More information is available at ncai.org. See the July issue of Inaajimowin and also participate in the opening ceremonies. millelacsband.com for more information. Cultural Night on Tuesday, June 30, will also be held at Crowne Plaza. Swamp Nation, a

6 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 Eddy’s Resort: Same Name, New Look

Andy McPartland Staff Writer

On May 5th, Eddy’s Resort re-opened its doors to the public, revealing a major makeover to the as Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. The Band is excited to be part of the Lake Mille Lacs resort Lake Mille Lacs mainstay. The event included an official ribbon cutting, full tours of the property community and to carry on the legacy of Eddy’s. and speeches from Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures CEO Joe Nayquonabe, U.S. Congressman Rick The revamped Eddy’s Resort now offers several lodging options for guests to rent: 64 rooms, Nolan, Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, and National Indian Gaming Association Chairman 1 Parlor suite and 4 private cabins. As always, guests can bring their own boat or rent an Eddy’s Ernie Stevens, Jr. vessel for a leisurely boat ride or fishing expedition. Eddy’s Resort was established in 1960 by Edward Silker, a local man who also attended the Another new addition to the property is The Launch Bar & Grill. The restaurant features craft re-opening. The resort became an iconic staple to the area, as it served as a boat launch for beer, cocktails, and a full menu of food from appetizers to signature entrees. fishing excursions. Stop in and see the all-new, Eddy’s Resort today! Grab a drink, bite, or stay the night. For more In 2002, Eddy’s was acquired by the Mille Lacs Band’s Corporate Commission — now known information, visit eddysresort.com or call 320-532-3657.

Comfortable rooms, a lobby with a fireplace, and a gourmet restaurant are among the attractions at the new Eddy’s Resort. Dr. Eddy Silker and his wife were on hand for the grand opening.

Participating in the official ribbon cutting were Mille Lacs Band District II Representative Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin and U.S. Rep. Rick Nolan addressed David ‘Niib’ Aubid, Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures CEO Joe Nayquonabe, Jr., Mille Lacs Band the crowd. Secretary Treasurer Carolyn Beaulieu, National Indian Gaming Association chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr., Congressman Rick Nolan, Mille Lacs Band District III Representative Harry Davis, Mille Lacs Band District I Representative Sandra Blake and Mille Lacs Band Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin.

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 7 Student Achievement Celebrated at American Indian Graduation Banquet

Mick Sawinski Staff Writer Bonn Banwell Photographer

Pictured (L-R): Sierra Churchill, Mariah Harrington, Ethan Smith, Samantha Noah Benjamin-Sam Alexis Staples Mitchell, Noel Kegg, and Anna Davis

On May 13th in the Rolf Olsen Center in Onamia, 17 recent high school graduates were hon- ored for their hard work and commitment to their studies. Guest speaker Suzanne Wise, Commissioner of Education, spoke highly of each graduate. Other speakers included Nay Ah Shing School Principal Noah Johnson and Onamia Principal Jason Vold. Congratulations to each graduate on your achievement and we apologize if we missed any names.

East Central –– Jessica Benjamin

Commissioner of Education Makina Desjarlait with her parents Hinckley-Finlayson Suzanne Wise. –– Daylon Feuerhake –– Taylor Jackson Mariah Harrington, 18 my friends. –– Laikora Thompson What’s next after high school?: I plan to work and attend What are your greatest strengths?: To keep on doing what –– Jacob Stenger college. I do. What’s your favorite memory of high school?: Too many Isle graduates Noel Kegg, 18 amazing memories to name but my most recent memory is –– Makina DesJarlait What’s next after high school?: Dental assisting school in preparing to graduate. Tucson, AZ. What you will miss most about high school?: Learning McGregor graduates What’s your favorite memory of high school?: Class trips. from teachers that have been great mentors to me. –– Ashlinn Moore What you will miss most about high school?: Basketball What are your greatest strengths?: I possess many great –– Brandon Wilkie season. attributes, many qualities such as persistence, dedication, –– Casandra Hill What are your greatest strengths?: Very outgoing and love and intelligence. I have a great personality but most impor- to travel to youth conferences. tantly a big caring heart. Nay Ah Shing graduates –– Dallas Anderson Anna Davis, 18 Sierra Churchill, 18 –– Sage Boyd-Davidson What’s next after high school?: Spend summer in Arizona What’s next after high school?: College. –– Jakob Cash and off to college in the fall. What’s your favorite memory of high school?: Sports. –– Paige Mitchell What’s your favorite memory of high school?: Making What you will miss most about high school?: Friends. –– Tahnisha Sam new friends. What are your greatest strengths?: Sports and language. What you will miss most about high school?: The extra Onamia graduates Samantha Naomi Mitchell, 17 curricular activities. –– Brittani Benjamin What’s next after high school?: College. What are your greatest strengths?: I’m persistent and –– Sierra Churchill What’s your favorite memory of high school?: After goal orientated. I laugh and have fun. –– Anna Davis school activities. Makina Anung-Ikwe DesJarlait, 20 –– Jasmine Fetters What you will miss most about high school?: The sports. What’s next after high school?: Looking into jobs and –– Mariah Harrington What are your greatest strengths?: Determination, draw- schools. –– Noel Kegg ing, and math. –– Samantha Mitchell What’s your favorite memory of high school?: Learning –– Ethan Smith Ethan Smith, 17 new stuff to prepare for the future. What’s next after high school?: I am going to get a job, What you will miss most about high school?: Seeing To learn more about each graduate, we had them answer a and relax this summer. everyone’s beautiful faces. series of questions about future plans, favorite memories and What’s your favorite memory of high school?: When I What are your greatest strengths?: Being kind to others. their greatest strengths. Once again, congratulations to all of was in the 8th grade, that was the best year I have had. this year’s graduates! What you will miss most about high school?: I will miss

8 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 Nay Ah Shing Graduation

Nay Ah Shing graduation was held at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 28. Speakers were Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin, Commissioner URBAN AREA of Education Suzanne Wise, and social studies teacher Amanda Sorby. Heather Sasse was the master of ceremonies.

End of the School Year Picnic & Community Celebration (ESYP) The ESYP is Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Join us for this annual event now held at Minnehaha Falls Wabun Park D Pavilion. Game contests include hula hoop, egg toss, guess the candies in jars, and other games. There’s face painting and balloon twisting by Anita Lovelace of “Twisted Balloons.” On the menu: hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, polish, potato & mac salad, chips, beans, fruit, cupcakes, cookies, and refreshments. There will be door prizes for kids and adults. MUST be present to win. Volunteers needed. Come early at 9 a.m. to help with set-up, games, and give 2015 Nay Ah Shing graduates Jakob Cash, Tahnisha Sam, Darian Kegg, Paige Mitchell, Dallas Anderson Jr., us a hand. and Sage Boyd-Davidson. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and towels — there’s a pool nearby. Call the Urban Office if you can help! Happy summer!

Ojibwe Language Classes Ojibwe language classes are offered in all three districts. In District I, John P. Benjamin offers classes Monday through Friday and individual programs at the community center. Wednesday night is a “language table” at the community center from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, call John at 320-532-4181, ext 7831. Nay Ah Shing School drummers played a Grand Entry song and an Honor Song. In District II, Adrienne Benjamin holds classes for youth at Chiminising Niigaan, and she will soon add a Monday evening th adult class. Check with Adrienne at 320- 9 Annual Ojibwe Language College 233-6269. for summer hours. Sam Peet will be teaching classes at East Lake. Quiz Bowl Contact Sam for details at 218-768-3311. In District III, Amik and Dave Matrious Ramona Bird Grant Writer hold class on Tuesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. at the old corporate building in The 9th Annual Ojibwe Language College Quiz Bowl, sponsored by the Tribal Hinckley. For more information, call Sovereignty Institute, took place on Saturday, April 25 at the University of Min- Amik at 320-233-6269 or Dave at 320- nesota-Duluth (UMD). 384-7598. Six teams representing Minnesota colleges participated in the competi- tion, which supports high school students continuing their Ojibwe studies at the university level. The Quiz Bowl was a double-elimination tournament comprised of two divisions: Division I was for teams that have less than one year of Ojibwe language courses at the college level and Division II teams had more than one Interested in submitting year of study. Michelle Beaulieu and Bob Andrys to the Inaajimowin? After exciting competition rounds, UMD clinched first place in Division I. (holding his son), representing Central Lakes College, took home second place Send your submissions and birthday Second place went to the Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College/Central in Division I. announcements to Mick Sawinski at Lakes College. In Division II, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities secured first [email protected] place and second place went to UMD. or call 612-465-8018. Congratulations to the Division I second place team, Michelle Beaulieu and Bob Andrys representing Central Lakes College and Trevor Spry representing Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College/Central Lakes College. The July issue deadline is June 15.

To read more about the 9th Annual Ojibwe Language Quiz Bowl, visit http://bit.ly/1JjZV15

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 9 Daga Minawaanigozidaa Bimaadiziyang Let’s Be Happy in Our Lives

Lee Staples Gaa-Anishinaabemod Obizaan Chato Gonzalez Gaa-Anishinaabewibii’ang Ombishkebines

Mii dash waa-tazhindamaan aaniin ge-izhichigepan a’aw Anishinaabe da-ni- Ishke gaye ingiw bineshiinyag, nebowa gaye imaa ayaawag imaa bagwaj. Ishke minawaanigwendang bimaadizid. Ishke noongom a’aw Anishinaabe gaawiin odani- geget manidoowaadiziwag gaye wiinawaa. Ishke niminewendaan iko “nishiimedog” mikwenimaasiin naa gaye gaawiin odani-apenimosiin inow Manidoon i’iw iko akeyaa izhi-wiinagwaa bineshiiyag. Ishke mii a’aw Manidoo eniwemag a’aw Wenabozho gaa-izhi-bimiwidood i’iw bimaadizid a’aw Anishinaabe ishkweyaang gaa-ayaad. ezhi-wiinaad. Mii gaye inow ge-naadamaagopanen a’aw Anishinaabe ani- What I want to talk about is what Anishinaabe can do to live a happy life. Today Anishinaabe asemaakawaad. Aano-go agaashiinyiwaad nebowa ingiw bineshiinyag, gaawiin does not think about or does not rely on the Manidoog as Anishinaabe way back used to. gidaa-aanawenimaasiwaanaanig geget mashkawaadiziwag naa gaye geget manidoowaadiziwag. Ishke imaa wiigiwaaming gii-kabeshid mewinzha a’aw Anishinaabe, nawaj imaa There are also the birds that are plentiful out in the woods. These birds also have spiritual besho ogii-wiij’ayaawaan naa gaye apane gii-noondawaad inow Manidoon imaa powers. I love addressing the birds “nishiimedog”. That is the way Wenabozho addressed the eyaanijin bagwaj. Mii-go apane gii-asemaakawaad inow Manidoon. Mii imaa weweni birds as his little brothers and sisters. These are the ones that also help the Anishinaabe when gii-noondawaad gii-pagakitawaad inow Manidoon, onji imaa biinji-wiigiwaaming they put their tobacco. Even though these birds are small in size, we cannot underestimate their gii-kabeshiwaad. Mii dash imaa gaa-onjikaamagak moozhag gii-asemaakawaad strength and spiritual powers. inow Manidoon. Ishke dash noongom biinji-waakaa’iganing ayaayang, gaawiin igo gidaabaji-noondawaasiwaanaanig ingiw Manidoog bagwaj imaa eyaajig eshkam Ishke dash nebowa omaa ayaawag gaye ingiw awesiinyag bebiiwaabaminaagozijig, gidani-wanenimaanaanig da-apenimoyangiban. mii-go dibishkoo ezhi-manidoowaadiziwaad gaye wiinawaa. Ishke ingiw Long time ago when Anishinaabe used to live in wigwams they lived much closer to the Manidoog akiwenziiyibaneg ogii-tazhindaanaawaa mewinzha gii-moonenimind a’aw and constantly heard them. They constantly put tobacco for the Manidoog. They were able to Anishinaabe gaa-izhi-manezid i’iw bimaadiziwin. Gii-pi-azhegiiwe a’aw Niigaani- hear the Manidoog clearly, because they lived inside of these wigwams. As a result of the ability Manidoo gii-nandwewemaad inow owiiji-manidooman da-naadamawindwaa ingiw to hear the Manidoog, they put their tobacco for them often. Because we live in houses these Anishinaabeg gaa-izhi-gidimaagiziwaad. Ishke dash mii ingiw gakina ingiw awesiinyag day, we do not always hear the Manidoog that are outside, and as a result we are forgetting ingiw mesoosaabewaabaminaagozijig biinish gaye bebiiwaabaminaagozijig about the Manidoog and that they are a source of help for us. wayeshkad gaa-nakodangig wii-naadamawaawaad inow Anishinaaben. Ishke dash gaa-ni-inaajimong, mii imaa ani-wiindamaageng gaa-izhi-zhawenimaawaad inow Ishke dash a’aw Anishinaabe ishkweyaang apane gii-noondawaad inow odanishinaabemiwaan ingiw awesiinyag, mii-go dibishkoo ezhi-zhawenimaawaad Manidoon imaa bagwaj miinawaa apane gii-asemaakawaad gii-kanoonaad odanishinaabemiwaan noongom. inow Manidoon da-naadamaagod. Gaawiin igo aapiji nebowa imaa biinjina ogii- There are many animals that are small in size, but yet who are also powerful beings. The old ayaanziin ge-wanishkwe’igod iko awiya ondamendang gegoo maagizhaa gaye men told about the time that when it was realized that the Anishinaabe was lacking spiritual niizaanendang gegoo. energy in their lives. The creator or the head Manidoo came back to where the people were and Long time ago since the Anishinaabe always heard the Manidoog out in the wild they in turn called on his fellow Manidoog to help the Anishinaabe who were really pitiful. It was all of the always made tobacco offerings to them asking for their help. They did not have all of the inner animals, from the largest beings to the tiniest of them who were the first to answer the request turmoil of being worried or being fearful of anything. of the head Manidoo to help the Anishinaabe. That story tells us how much compassion the animals had for the Anishinaabe at that time, and they still carry the same compassion for the Ishke iko a’aw Anishinaabe gii-tazhindang i’iw wasidaawendamowin, mii i’iw Anishinaabe today. akeyaa gaa-izhi-gagaanzomindwaa gaa-kagwaadagitoojig, “Mii imaa bagwaj izhaag da-o-nisanaamoyeg ogii-izhi-wiindaanaawaa. Mii ingiw Manidoog bagwaj eyaajig Mii gaye imaa nibiikaang ani-dazhimindwaa ayaawaad ingiw Manidoog. Ishke gaa- gida-noondaagowaag gida-zhawenimigowaag miinawaa gida-naadamaagowaag.” izhi-gikinoo’amaagooyaan gii-kwiiwizensiwiyaan, asemaa weweni akawe indaa- Ishke mii imaa gii-wiindamaageng, nebowa ingiw Manidoog ayaawag imaa bagwaj asaa imaa nibiikaang dabwaa-dazhitaayaan imaa. Nigii-wiindamaagoo, aniindi-go ge-naadamaagojin a’aw Anishinaabe. ani-waasaabikideg i’iw nibi, Manidoog imaa ayaawag imaa zaaga’iganiing miinawaa When our Anishinaabe spoke of emotional difficulties they were having such difficulties were ziibiing. Nigii-igoo, da-ni-manaaji’ag Manidoo imaa eyaad. Gego anooj indaa- told, “Go out into the woods, scream, cry, and holler to release your emotions. The Manidoog will baa-izhichigesiin imaa nibiikaang. Dabwaa-bagizod imaa nibiikaang maagizhaa hear you, they will take pity on you, and they will help you.” Because of this teaching, we know gaye azhigwa wii-wewebinaabiid maagizhaa gaye wii-manoominiked dabwaa- that there are a lot of Manidoog out there that will help the Anishinaabe. bagidaabiid, akawe asemaan odaa-asaan a’aw Anishinaabe, ingii-igoo. Ishke gaye ingiw giigoonyag imaa eyaajig imaa nibiikaang gii-miinigoowizi a’aw Anishinaabe Ishke dash noongom a’aw Anishinaabe eyaad, gaawiin omoonendanziin i’iw da-ondanjiged. Manidoowaadiziwag gaye wiinawaa ingiw giigoonyag. inagokwekamig Manidoon imaa eyaanijin imaa megweyaak. Ninoondawaag sa There are also the Manidoog who exist within the bodies of water who are talked about. When wiin igo aanind a’aw Anishinaabe ani-dazhindang ezhi-naadamaagoowizid imaa I was a young boy I was taught to put my tobacco in the water before going into the lake. I was megweyaak baa-ayaad. told that wherever there were bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers there is a Manidoo within. Nowadays the Anishinaabe does not realize the abundance of Manidoog out in the woods. I do I was told to respect that Manidoo in that body of water. I should not fool around while I am in the however hear of some Anishinaabe talk about the help they get by being out in the woods. lake. Before Anishinaabe swims in the lake, maybe prior to fishing, ricing, or netting, I was told that Anishinaabe should put their tobacco first. There are also fish in the lake thatAnishinaabe Mii imaa noongom ge-izhaapan a’aw Anishinaabe ani-gagwaadagi’igod gegoo. were given to eat. Those fish too are spiritual beings. Ishke ingiw mitigoog imaa naabawijig imaa bagwaj manidoowaadiziwag Mitigwaabiiwininiwan izhi-wiinjigaazowan inow Manidoon gegigaabawiwaajin. Mii Ishke awiya ani-ganawaabandang iniw anishinaabewinikaazowinan eyaang a’aw bezhig a’aw Manidoo eyaad ge-naadamookiban. Maagizhaa gaye besho gidaa- noongom a’aw Anishinaabe, mii-go omaa nebowa a’aw Anishinaabe apinikaazod naaniibaw da-minjiminad a’aw mitig. Mii imaa azhigwa gaa-asemaakawad, mii imaa inow awesiinyan, bineshiinyan, naa-go wawaaj inow giigoonyan. Ishke dash a’aw ge-biindigeshkaagoyamban i’iw menidoowaadak gegigaabawiwaad ingiw mitigoog Anishinaabe ani-waawiindaawasod, mii imaa gii-pi-naazikaagod inow Manidoon da-ni-naadamaagoowiziyan dash da-ikowebinigaadeg wenishkwe’igoyan. gegishkawaawaajin inow awesiinyan, bineshiinyan, naa-go gaye giigoonyan. Mii- That is where the Anishinaabe can go when he is having a difficult time. The trees that go imaa miinawaa wiindamaagoowiziyang ezhi-manidoowaadak gakina gegoo omaa stand out in the woods are spiritual beings and the Manidoog within them are known as eyaamagak omaa akiing. Mitigwaabiiwininiwag. That is one Manidoo that could help you. What you could do is stand If someone were to take a look at the Anishinaabe names that people have, they will see that close and hang on to a tree. With your tobacco being offered, the spiritual energy from the tree many of these names come from the animals, the birds, and even the fish. When someone is can go into your spirit and knock out whatever is bothering you, helping you as a result. going to give a child an Anishinaabe name, it is the spirit within these Continued on page 11

10 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 animals, birds, and the fish that approach the name giver. a’aw gidanishinaabeminaan mewinzha gaa-izhi- Here is another example of a teaching where we are told that bimiwidood obimaadiziwin zakab gida-izhi-ayaamin everything on this earth has spiritual energy. imaa biinjina miinawaa da-ni-minawaanigoziyang. Gidinwewininaan Without a doubt there is a lot to help the Anishinaabe when he Baabiitaw Boyd Gaa-ozhibii’ang Geget nebowa ayaamagad ge-naadamaagod a’aw is having a hard time. That is why our Anishinaabe from way This month’s article is Anishinaabe ani-gagwaadagitood. Ishke mii i’iw back enjoyed life, because he relied on those Manidoog in the about the different mewinzha a’aw gidanishinaabeminaan gaa-onji- wild to help him. If we go after and learn from the Anishinaabe objectives for children minwaanigwendaagozid gii-pimaadizid, mii imaa gii- in the past how they carried their lives, we will be at peace and lessons teaching for apenimod inow Manidoon bagwaj eyaanijin gaye. Ishke within and as a result be happy with our lives. kindergarten readiness. ani-biminizha’amang miinawaa ani-gikinawaabamang Mii iw waa- ini-dazhindamaan noongom gaa- kikinoo’amaagoowaad ingiw abinoojiinyag omaa gikinoo’amaadiiwigamigong Wewinabi ezhi-wiinjigaadeg. Mii gii-niizhwaasowag ingiw zayaagijibii’igejig . Anooj dash nigii- kagwe-gikinoo’amawaanaanig ingiw abinoojiinyag weweni da-gashki’ewiziwaad DISTRICT 3 ani-niigaani-gikinoo’amawindwaa. Giishpin dash mizhodamowaad ge-bagakendamowaad onow gikinoo’amaadiiwinan, nawaj wii-wenipanad wii- Lake Lena Elementary Students Take izhaawaad iwidi endazhi-maajitaang. –– Da-apiitenindizowaad. in the Como Zoo –– Da-ani-nitaa-wajepiziwaad.

Mick Sawinski Staff Writer/Photographer –– Da-nitaa-gwayakosidood zenagakin –– Da-nisidawinang asigibii’iganan –– Da-nisidawinang ozhibii’igaansan On May 14th Head Start students from Lake Lena Elementary visited the Como Zoo in St. Paul. Students spent the day learning about –– Da-ani-gikenimaawaad inow manidoon different types of wildlife. The trip was an end-of-the-year reward for the students’ hard work in class. ezhinikaazonid –– Da-ani-apiitendang i’iw anishinaabe izhitwaawin Ishke dash geyaabi nigikinoo’amaagoomin ge- izhi-nitaa-gikinoo’amaagekwewiyaang naa biinish-go gaye da-ani-nitaa-ojibwemoyaang weweni da-gikinoo’amawangidwaa da-ani-nitaa- ojibwemowaad miinawaa da-gikenindizowaad ezhi-anishinaabewiwaad ingiw abinoojiinyag gaye wiinawaa.

Nay Ah Shing Summer Pictured (L-R): Avriana Benjamin, Jonathon Reynolds, KimBella Defoe, Rylan Hatfield, Eugenia Martin, Mckayla Jenkins, Xzavier St John, Niindaanis Jenkins, Aris Richey, and Westin Echeverria. Food Service Program Nay Ah Shing School on the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation would like to announce their participation in the Summer Food Service Program Protect Our Lands from the Sandpiper Pipeline again this summer. Meals will be served free of charge to all children A public hearing on the Enbridge Sandpiper Pipeline was scheduled for Friday, June 5, at 10 a.m. at the East Lake ages 1 – 18, without regard to race, color, national Community Center, 36666 State Hwy. 65, McGregor, MN 55760. origin, sex, age, or disability, at no charge. Meals Since no hearings were held on any of the Indian reservations that will be impacted by this project, Chief Executive meet nutritional standards established by the U.S. Melanie Benjimin scheduled the hearing under the authority of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as a sovereign Indian Department of Agriculture (USDA). Nation charged with protecting the welfare of its Members. Meals will be provided Mondays through Fridays, For information on the outcome of the hearing and an update on the status of the proposed Sandpiper Pipeline, see starting June 8, 2015 through August 14, 2015 with millelacsband.com or the July issue of Inaajimowin. the exception of July 3, 2015 at: Nay Ah Shing High School 43651 Oodena Drive Onamia Vineland Road to be Paved Breakfast will be served from 8:15 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vineland Road, which runs between Hwy. 169 and Timber Trails Road, will be paved this summer in a cooperative project of the Mille Lacs Band and Kathio Township. Construction is expected to begin in late June or early July and to USDA is an equal opportunity provider last two or three weeks. and employer.

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 11 Memorial Day Powwow 2nd Annual Honor Our Elders Powwow Brett Larson Staff Writer/Photographer th Friday, June 12 The 20 Annual Memorial Day Powwow, hosted by AmVets Post 53 and Mille Lacs Indian Museum, took place indoors on May 25 Iskigamizigan Powwow Grounds due to the rain, but the dancers and drummers didn’t let the foul weather dampen their spirits. Allen Weyaus emceed the event and introduced the honor guard, which was composed of Marvin Beaulieu, John Reed, Diane Come and enjoy an afternoon of fun, food, dancing, Nickaboine and Tony Pike. Joe Nayquonabe, Sr. gave the invocation. and door prizes. Everyone is welcome! Lunch served: 11 a.m. Grand Entry: 1 p.m. Host Drum: Timber Trails Elder Warrior and Elder Princess Contest: must be a Mille Lacs Band member Elder, in full regalia, and 55 years or older. Registration for Elder royalty is from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information call 320-532-7539 or 532-7854. If you see or suspect Elder abuse, call the MLB Elder Abuse Program: 320-532-7793 or the MLB Elder Services Program: 320-532-7854. Allen Weyaus Robert DesJarlait and Uvalle Joe Nayquonabe RedKnife WEWIN Fundrasier Golf Tournament Saturday, June 20 Grand National Golf Course 300 Lady Luck Drive Hinckley, MN 55037 Four person scramble. 8 a.m. Shotgun Start. Three payout categories: Elders, Women, and Men. Cost: $400 per team For details call: 320-532-7486 All proceeds will support scholarships for Mille Little Otter Singers Honor guard Lacs Band women to attend the 2015 WEWIN Conference, hosted this year by the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, August 17 – 19, 2015. Event sponsored by: MLB WEWIN Chapter and Melanie Benjamin, WEWIN Founder and Treasurer.

4th Annual Bradley Roache, Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament Krista Roache Contributor Get your team ready! The family of Brad Roache is hosting the 4th Annual Bradley Roache Sr. Memorial Dancers of all ages enjoyed songs from several different drum groups. Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 25, at Territory Golf Club in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Bradley Roache Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Funds are awarded to Native Americans pursuing Wanted: Youth Powwow Dancers degrees in law enforcement and criminal justice. Do you love to dance at powwows? Would you like to represent your A Mille Lacs Band member, Brad dedicated his life community at other powwows for a year? Would you like to be a role to public safety. He served with the Minneapolis model for other youth? If yes, you could be a great candidate to run Police Department for 24 years and was active for Royalty. on the homicide/robbery unit and the emergency response unit. After Brad retired, he served the Be a contestant at the 49th Annual Mille Lacs Band Traditional Powwow Mille Lacs Band as the director of public safety and Royalty Contest (August 21–23, 2015). the Corporate Commission’s director of security Candidates must be: 6–18 years of age and a Mille Lacs Band member, and surveillance. or a direct descendant of a Mille Lacs Band member. The golf tournament is a four-person scramble. The Jr. Brave and Jr. Princess: 6–12 years of age registration fee is $400 per team. The tournament Sr. Brave and Sr. Princess: 13–18 years of age will also have raffle prizes, a silent auction, and on-course games. The deadline to sign up is August 1, 2015, but we recommend that you sign up early so you have plenty of time to complete your required hours for Cultural activities. For more information on the tournament or the scholarship, contact Krista Roache Klug at 320-224- For more information and application packets please contact Chasity Gahbow at 320-532-7486 or email 7061 or e-mail [email protected]. [email protected].

12 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 DISTRICT 2 Inaugural Gii-Ishkonigewag Powwow

The District II Powwow Committee is very proud to announce the Inaugural Gii-Ishkonigewag 9 a.m. 3 division of co-ed teams will compete in canoeing, running, and biking. Powwow, which will take place at the Minisinaakwaang Powwow Grounds located four miles Contact Michaa Aubid at 218-260-7690 or email [email protected]. We are also south of McGregor, MN on July 24–26, 2015. asking youth ages 5–18 (Band members/direct descendants) who are interested in being con- The first 15 registered drums will be paid. Dancer registration will be open daily with daily sidered for the Royalty contest to contact Cheyanne Peet at 701-278-0229 or email cheyanne. payouts. The DII powwow committee will be sponsoring a youth special Friday Night, Men’s [email protected]. Interested vendors should also contact Cheyanne Peet no later than woodland Special Saturday Night, Women’s side step special and 3 man hand drum contest on July 10, 2015. Event details will follow. Sunday. The DII powwow committee will be sponsoring a Woodland Warrior Relay on Sunday at

DISTRICT 3 24th Annual Grand Celebration Over $85,000 in prize money

June 19, 20, and 21 at Grand Casino Hinckley (800-472-6321) Area Hotels: –– Days Inn: 320-384-7751 (104 Grindstone Court, Invited Drums: Big Bear (Saskatchewan), Bear Creek (Ontar- Hinckley) io), and Thunder Hill (Oklahoma) –– Travel Lodge: 320-384-6112 (325 Fire Monument Arena Staff: Road, Hinckley) –– Master of Ceremonies: Terry Fiddler (Prairie Island) –– RV Park/Campground: 800-468-3517 (777 Lady Luck and Amik (Hinckley) Drive, Hinckley) –– Arena Directors: Sherwin Obey (Montana) and Randy –– Grand Northern Inn: 800-468-3517 (604 Weber Paskemin (Utah) Avenue, Hinckley) –– Judges: Dino (Flandreau) and Gabe Derosiers (Lake of –– Grand Hinckley Inn: 800-468-3517 (777 Lady Luck the Woods Ontario) Drive, Hinckley) –– Local Host: Little Otter (Mille Lacs) –– Invited Drums: Big Bear (Saskatchewan), Bear Creek WEWIN Fundraiser Golf Tournament: Saturday, June 20 (Ontario), and Thunder Hill (Oklahoma) at the Grand National Golf Course. See page 10 for additional –– Specials Coordinator: Pete Gahbow (Mille Lacs) information including cost.

DISTRICT 1 Veteran and Active Duty Flags

The Iskigamizigan Powwow Committee is currently seeking out Mille Lacs Band families that intend to honor a family Veteran and/or Active Duty Band members by flying their U.S. Flag at Veteran and Active Duty Family Flags Form the upcoming 48th Annual Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Tradition- al Powwow which is being held August 15–17, 2015! Name of Veteran/Active Duty family member: ______Please note that the flag raising will take place on Friday, Rank: ______August 21, 2015. All flags will remain flying for the duration of the powwow and will be illuminated throughout Friday Years of Service: ______and Saturday nights. The lowering of the flags will take place Military Service: ______Sunday, August 23, 2015 prior to the Adult exhibitions. We strongly encourage you and your family to listen for the MC to Military Operation(s): ______announce for your family to start gathering at your Veteran’s Medals Awarded: ______Flag pole. If your family intends on honor a veteran in your family Who will be carrying in the Veteran’s Flag: during this time, please complete the form to your right. All completed forms can be returned to Tony Pike at email Tony. Name: [email protected] or mail to Attention Powwow Rank: ______Committee, 43408 Oodena Dr., Onamia, Minnesota, 56359. Deadline to confirm your intention is August 14, 2015! Military Service: ______

Please provide your name and contact information: ______

Mail this form by Friday, August 14 to: Attention Powwow Committee 43408 Oodena Dr. Onamia, MN 56359

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 13 TRIBAL NOTEBOARD

Happy June Warren Skinaway 6/16, love Mom, Dad, Papa Happy birthday Mom on 6/24, class of 2015 Onamia High Birthdays to Mille Pearl Anne St. John Brad, Grannie Kim, Papa Kyle, love Brandon, Chantel, and school! Congratulations Lacs Band Elders! Dean Ray Staples Braelyn, Payton, Eric, Wesley, Brandi Jo. • Happy birthday from her mother Desiree Frances Staples Brynley, Auntie Val, Pie, Kev, Gramma Tammy on 6/24, with Benjamin, Father Gordon Sam, Mary Ann Ailport Francine Wanda Staples Uncle Jay, Taylor, Adam, Uncle all our love Elias, Tank, Alizaya, Grandmother’s Lorraine Sam Donald Ray Anderson Judy Ann Swanson Bruce, Jayla, Lileah, Auntie Rico, Jazmin, and Ahrianna. and Beverly Benjamin, sisters Randall Wayne Anderson Ann Marie Thalin Randi, and Auntie Rachel. • • Happy birthday Lindsey on Brandi, Adrianna, brothers Ronald Dale Anderson Arlene Rene Weous Happy birthday Luis on 6/16, 6/29 from Cassandra, Travis, Nicholas, Michael, Corey, Shirley Ann Beach Loris Marie White love Elijah Alexander, Mom, and Trevor. • Happy birthday Noah, and Gordon Jr., nieces Arvina Marie Benjamin Judy Jo Williams Isabel, Dana, Braelyn, Brynley, Ravin on 6/30, love your family. Alexis, Diamond, Destiny, and Sharon Lee Benjamin Michael Jr., Grandma Pam, • Happy birthday to Little BIG her new nephew Sincere! • Rhonda Marie Bentley Happy June Tommy, Ana, and Reese. • sis Kayla on 6/30 from Cass, Congratulations to our daughter Shirley Jane Boyd Birthdays: Happy birthday Sasha on 6/16 Travis, Trevor, MOM, GRAM, Band member Alicia Dorr- David Bradley Jr. Happy birthday William from Cassandra, Travis, and Crystal, Leighnah, and BOB. DelaCruz for completing Rory Levine Bruneau Boyd on 6/1 from Grandma Trevor. • Happy 1st birthday her Associate of Arts Degree Clifford Kenneth Churchill Shirley and family. • Happy Dana Micheal Schwensen at Minneapolis Community Sherry Elaine Colson th Other 5 birthday Alizaya Wagner on 6/17, love, Mom, Dad, Technical College (MCTC). We Emma Compelube Announcements: on 6/1, love Mommy, Elias, Nana Stacey, Luis, Elijah, are so proud of you! Love, Mom Brenda Lee Day The family of Daniel Boyd Tank, Rico, Gramma Tammy, Braelyn, Brynley, Michael Jr., and Dad (Rodney and Sharon Simon Eugene Day Jr. Jr. would like to take this time Uncle Brandon, Auntie Chantel, Great Grandma Pam, Tommy, Dorr). • Andrew Skywalker Ellagene Diane Dorr to say Miigwech to all relatives Jazmin, and Ahrianna. • Happy Ana, and Reese. • Happy 55th Arensdorf has graduated from Peter Jerome Dunkley and friends for the comforting birthday Gretchen on 6/2 from birthday to my loving husband Midland High School. He is the Rosetta Marie Eagle words and hugs we received Cassandra, Travis, and Trevor Steven Hanks on 6/18 from son of Misty Arensdorf (Band Bruce Wayne Frye during our great loss. Also to Powers. • Happy birthday your wife, Lorna and all the kids member) and Brian Arensdorf. • George Allen Garbow Jr. Amik (Larry Smallwood) and Auntie Arvina on 6/2 from and grandkids. We love you, We would like to congratulate Kat Anne Garbow his helpers for the ceremony. Cassandra, Crystal, Leighnah, hope your day is full of joy. • Amber D. Benjamin on her Melanie Raemel Garbow I, Joanne would also like to Kayla, and Caryn. • Happy Happy birthday Auntie Jen on recent graduation from Brainerd Marilyn Ann Gurneau take this time to say Miigwech birthday Dante James on 6/3 6/19 from Cassandra, Travis, High School and receiving the Monica Louise Haglund to Lisa Blahosky-Olivarez with lots of love from Mom, and Trevor. • Happy birthday to Chef’s Association Scholarship!! Steven Jerome Hanks and the Public Health team Selena, Maysun, Shawsha, my Great Auntie Shirley on We are extremely proud of Bruce Duane Hansen for being there for me when Soul, Daymon, Grama Vera, 6/19 from Brigette and Donnie. you, and are excited that you Devona Lee Haskin I needed them the most. Dan Stone, DeaLayna, Derek, and • Happy birthday Grams on have been accepted into a Catherine Hedstrom th will be greatly missed. Thank Frankee. • Happy 9 birthday 6/19, love Amy, David, Albert, college of your own choosing. Shirley Ann Hillstrom you from: Joanne Boyd & Chris Jada Marie Wind on 6/5, love and Andy. We love you! • The Art Institutes International Dorothy Jean Hofstedt Weyaus, Danni Jo Harkness & always, Mom and Dad. • Happy Happy birthday to my baby Minnesota will offer you the Robert Dwaine Kegg family, Dan Boyd III & Tim Boyd, birthday Rome Bedausky on boy Jereck Weyaus on 6/20 best of the best with instructors Connie Lou Kevan Bette Sam & family, Clarence 6/7, with love from Mom, Dad, and many, many more. Love as well as an awesome learning Marlowe James LaFave Boyd & family, Delores Hegland Logan, Uncle Jerome, Nikki, you lots, from Mom, Danni Jo, experience! Love, Mom, LeRoy Joseph Mager & family, and Juanita Weyaus Brent, Lyric, Taryn, and Gramma Eliott & Blazer, Chris Weyaus, Heather, Gramma, Auntie, Robert Wayne Mayotte & family. • Anna Darria Silva Mary. • Happy birthday Leona and Raenelle & Kids. • Happy Uncles John and JD, and Papa. Clarence Moose is graduating from San Diego Yellowhammer aka Kitty birthday Candace on 6/20 from • Congratulations to Laikora John Gene Morrow State University on May 17, on 6/8, love Mom. • Happy Cyrell, Mom, Richard, Rachel, Thompson, Taylor Jackson, Barbara Jean Mulhall 2015 with a B.A. in Television, birthday Booty on 6/9, love Kelia, and Railie. We love you! and Daylan Feuerhake — Dana Lou Nickaboine Film, and New Media with Booty. • Happy birthday to • Happy birthday Duane Jr. Hinckley/Finlayson graduates. Georgia Louise Nickaboine emphasis on Production. my cuz Rodney on 6/9 from on 6/22 from Cassandra, Travis, Joel Jay O’Brien Congratulations from Mom, Dad, Brigette and Donnie. • Happy and Trevor. • Happy birthday Submit Birthday Alof Andrew Olson Jr. st Teresa, Leticia, Junior, Mudd, 1 birthday Logan Best on Kevin on 6/23, love Mom, Dad, Gordon Gail Parr Jon, Sammy, Steven, Grandma, Announcements 6/14, love Mom, Dad, Brother Sister, Papa Brad, Uncle Brad, Send name, birthday and a brief Patricia Pindegayosh and Grandpa. All that hard work Rome, Brent, Lyric, Taryn, Auntie Melissa, Braelyn, Payton, message that is 20 WORDS OR Daniel Wayne Quaderer paid off! We love you are are Grandma Mary, Uncle Jerome, Eric, Wesley, Brynley, Bianca, LESS to Mick Sawinski at Alan Duane Ray extremely proud of you! • Nikki, Uncle Guy, and Grandma Uncle Jay, Taylor, Adam, Uncle [email protected] Charlene Ann Shingobe st Aniin my daughter, Brittani & Grandpa Best. • Happy 1 Bruce, Jayla, Lileah, Auntie or call 612-465-8018. Charles Duane Shingobe Benjamin is in the graduating birthday Bianca Valerie on Randi, and Auntie Rachel. • The deadline for the July issue is June 15.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum June Events

Farm Fresh Fridays Birch Bark Basket Workshop Friday, June 5 from 4 – 7 p.m. Saturday, June 27 from noon – 4 p.m. Fee: $25/$20 MNHS members; additional supply fee of $15 applies Kids Crafts: God’s Eye Activity Reservations: required three days prior to workshop, call 320-532-3632 Saturday, June 6 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Fee: $4 per kit (museum admission not included)Recommended for children ages 8 and up. Visit events.mnhs.org for detailed information on all the June events.

14 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 JUNE CALENDAR

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Birch Bark Camp Birch Bark Camp Comm. Moose Visit Birch Bark Camp 2nd Annual Honor DII-A Outdoor 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Our Elders Powwow Rec. Day East Lake 11 a.m. 12 – 5 p.m. 15th Annual Wisdom 15th Annual Wisdom Iskigamizigan Niigaan Chiminising Steps Conference DII-A Como Zoo Steps Conference Powwow Grounds Black Bear Resort Field Trip Black Bear Resort See page 12 Ceremonial Dance: Carlton, MN 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Carlton, MN Tim and Tom Niigaan Chiminising Ceremonial Dance: East Lake Tim and Tom Birch Bark Camp East Lake 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

15th Annual Wisdom Steps Conference Black Bear Resort Carlton, MN 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Niigaan Basketball Comm. Moose Visit Niigaan Basketball 24th Annual WEWIN Fundraiser Camp 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Camp Grand Celebration Golf Tournament 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Aazhoomog 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Grand Casino 8 a.m. DI Community Center DII-A Community Hinckley Grand National Niigaan Basketball Center See page 13 Golf Course Camp See page 12 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. DI Community Center 24th Annual Grand Celebration Grand Casino Hinckley See page 13

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

24th Annual Ojibwe Immersion Comm. Moose Visit Ojibwe Immersion DII-A Split Grand Celebration Camp 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Camp Rock Lighthouse Grand Casino Contact Chris East Lake Contact Chris 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Hinckley Nayquonabe or Nayquonabe or Niigaan Chiminising See page 13 Byron Ninham Ojibwe Immersion Byron Ninham Camp Birch Bark Contact Chris Basket Workshop Nayquonabe or Noon – 4 p.m. Byron Ninham Mille Lacs Indian Museum See page 14

28 29 30 Want your event here? Email [email protected] or DII-A Fort Snelling (K-12) call 612-465-8018. 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Niigaan Chiminising

INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015 15 Circle of Health Update can do so on your own computer or you can stop in at Circle of forms yearly. By updating your information, you are giving Circle Health and we can help you. The link to My Social Security is: of Health consent to receive and pay your insurance claims and Circle of Health’s mission is to promote physical and mental ssa.gov/myaccount to speak with providers regarding any insurance billing on well-being in all of our communities by assisting Mille Lacs your behalf. Band members to acquire health coverage and eliminate Changes in your Medicare Benefits barriers to health care access. If you cannot afford to have your Medicare health benefit taken Circle of Health requires verification, we need a copy of: out of your Social Security check, DO NOT dis-enroll from your –– All current insurance card(s) (upon receipt) — front New Office in Hinckley Medicare Plans. Please contact Circle of Health and we will and back. Circle of Health will be opening an office at the Grand Lodge in help you arrange for your Medicare Plan to bill Circle of Health –– Certificate of Enrollment or Tribal ID for all MLB Hinckley in June 2015. More information will be posted on our directly. If you do dis-enroll, you will lose your health care Tribal Members. webpage soon. Pamela Spears, Benefits Coordinator, will be coverage and will have to wait until October of the following –– Birth Certificates for any new dependents to your located in Hinckley to provide outreach, enrollment assistance year to re-enroll in a plan. policy/account. and accessibility to DII and DIII community members. –– Proof of Full-Time student status for all first-line descen- Hospital and Clinic Bills dants 18 to 23 years of age. Outstanding Medical Bills or Hospital Statements If you have any hospital, clinic or pharmacy bills that have not Don’t let those bills pile up! If you have medical bills in your been paid or are going into collections, please bring these New Location mail and they have not been paid or may go to collections, documents into Circle of Health. We can help you clear up Circle of Health please bring your bills immediately to Circle of Health. We can these bills before it is too late and they go into collections. 43500 Migizi Drive help you review them to determine why they have not been Often the provider doesn’t know you have health insurance or a Onamia, MN 56359 paid. Circle of Health can help you talk with your providers or certain Medicare benefit. You should give your provider a copy 320-532-7741 or 1-800-491-6106. Fax: 320-532-4354 your insurance company to clear up your medical bills. of all your health insurance cards and Medicare Plan cards. Contract Health Services Health Insurance Enrollment Assistance As of March 16th, 2015, Contract Health Services (now known Circle of Health is an official partner with MNSure, Minnesota’s Update from the Enrollment Office as Patient Referred Care Services) is managed by Cheri Hample, Health Insurance Exchange. We are proud to announce that we Congratulations to Amanda Roache, new Enrollment Manager, Health Director of Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic. Any questions regarding have certified assisters through the tribal government. eligibility or program services can be directed to Cheri Hample. who supervises daily operations in the Enrollment office. Circle of Health is here to help you and your family enroll in Her number is 320-532-4163, ext. 2538. You can also contact We are happy to announce that the Mille Lacs Band has the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you don’t have health Frances Davis, CHS Specialist, at 320-532-4163, ext. 2515. contracted with Creating Stronger Nations, Inc. to conduct a insurance coverage, we can help you get covered on a plan. We complete audit of our Enrollment records. Scheduled to take Social Security Benefit/Award Letters help people enroll in MNsure or on the Healthcare.gov website. Circle of Health requires elders and disabled individuals on place in mid-June, the audit will verify our records are correct Medicare to submit a copy of their annual Social Security You may be eligible for Medicaid or a low cost health insurance and ensure accuracy of our files. plan. Health Insurance is a benefit on top of the healthcare Benefit/Award letter. This letter comes from the Social The department’s goal is to enhance transparency for provided by Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic. Health insurance means more Security Administration. Band members and ensure that we are properly managing choices for our families and more resources for our tribal tribal membership. We have seen three types of letters that list your “annual health facilities. benefit amounts.” Please look for any letter that has these Also this year, we will begin using Progeny, an enrollment data Call Circle of Health today to make an appointment or stop in to words at the beginning . If you are not sure if you have the management software. One of the system’s key features is sign up for health insurance. correct letter, submit it to Circle of Health for review. the ability to research lineal descendancy, which can assist in The letters may have headings that start with: New Tribal Delta Dental Plan researching and building family trees – a common request of Do you need dental coverage? The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe our office. –– Your New Benefit Amount has started a new dental plan for tribal members. We have If you have any questions please call Amanda Roache at –– Social Security Administration — Retirement, Survivors been enrolling Band members who don’t already have dental 320-532-7440, or Director of Natural Resources Administration and Disability Insurance — Notice of Change in Benefit insurance in Delta Dental. Premiums for the Delta Dental Plan Rachel Shaugobay at 320-532-7439. –– Social Security Administration — Information of Social are paid by Circle of Health each month. You can enroll, add or Security Benefit remove dependents, or opt out of the plan by filling out a Delta My Social Security Dental membership enrollment form provided on the band You can create your own account to access your benefit website under Circle of Health or at our office. Circle of Health Outreach verification letter, to change your address and phone number, Enrollment Forms –– Wednesday, June 3 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Aazhoomog Clinic or to start or change direct deposit. There is no fee to create It is that time of year again! Many of you updated your –– Wednesday, June 10 from 1 – 4 p.m. at East Lake Clinic your My Social Security account, but you must have an email enrollment forms last year. Circle of Health requires all Mille –– Wednesday, June 17 from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Urban Office address. If you would like to set up or create an account, you Lacs Band members to update their Circle of Health enrollment –– Wednesday, June 24 from 1 – 4 p.m. at DII-A Isle Community Center

Heating, Water, and Maintenance Problems? PAID

PRSRT STD PRSRT During normal business hours: tenants in Band U.S. POSTAGE U.S. BRAINERD MN BRAINERD PERMIT NO. 250 rentals and Elders living within the service area should call 800-709-6445, ext. 7433, for work or- ders. After business hours: tenants with mainte- nance emergencies should call 866-822-8538 and press 1, 2, or 3 for their respective district.

Free Hearing Evaluations Evaluations take place on the second Friday of each month at Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic. Call 320-532-4163 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome — we will do our best to serve you. Ask us about the $1,000 in hearing aid benefits you can receive from the Circle of Health. Hearmore Hearing has offices in Saint Paul and Osseo. MILLE LACS BAND OF OJIBWE MILLE LACS 43408 Oodena Drive Onamia, MN 56359 millelacsband.com To schedule an appointment Monday through Friday, call the Saint Paul office at 651-771-4019 or the Osseo office at 763-391-7433.

16 INAAJIMOWIN JUNE 2015